Wheelchair Rugby

As official charitable partners of The Rugby Business Network, Wings for Life was invited to join the team on Wednesday 20 May 2015 to take part in the corporate Murderball Rugby World Cup 2015 jointly organised by Wings for Life supporter James Price of Access All Rooms.

Taking place at St Mary’s College, Twickenham the event was for both amateur and professional wheelchair rugby players from all over the UK. A fantastic day was had by all featuring companies: Marriott, HSBC, Rugby Business Network, Access All Rooms, Trilogy IT and more. Companies were drawn into world cup teams and competed in a tournament throughout the day, with England (Access All Rooms) who featured Paul Barker, the events patron, edging the victory.

Hannah Bostock and Rebecca Holt from Wings for Life UK took part in the all-day competition, playing wheelchair rugby as part of a team made up of members of the Rugby Business Network, including the Founder, Colm Hannon together with Managing Director of Cell Regeneration Liz Clare, and Rugby Football Union referee, JP Doyle.

Following a full day of tournaments, the evening event then took the teams into Twickenham for a drinks reception and an evening dinner hosted by sports presenter John Inverdale and a special appearance from Harlequins Rugby team Captain and England Player Joe Marler as the event was raising funds for the Matt Hampson Foundation.

Wheelchair Rugby was developed in the 1970s in Canada and is now an official Paralympic sport. Only four players from each team may be on the court at any time and is a mixed gender sport, and both male and female athletes play on the same teams. Wings for Life supporter James Price jointly organised the event and is also captain of the Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby team. He explained why he loves playing wheelchair rugby:

“The rules maybe different but since becoming wheelchair dependant it’s the closest thing to full contact able bodied rugby out there, in fact it’s the only wheelchair sport where contact is integral to the game! I’ve travelled the world with it, it’s tactical, it’s fast, it’s enjoyable and I love the banter with the team”.

Wings for Life was proud to be present at such an enjoyable and unique event. A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part on the day.